Wiring a kill/ignition switch into wiring harness, 1874 85 Johnson.. will this work??

[kippstakes]

Here's the thing, I bought an engine with no key. The key switch key number is rubbed off long gone, so I've been using an old key that fits the keyswitch but isn't cut for it, which means a lot of jiggling and wiggling to get the key to turn (very time consuming). SO, my plan is to simply leave the key in the 'on' position permanently and wire in an on/off toggle between the keyswitch and battery on the B+ wire (Red/Purple).

Here's the question, when the key is in the on position, the A and B terminals are connected- 12v to the accessory (power pack?). In the off position, however, the two M terminals are connected and the power pack is grounded out. If I only install a switch that cuts power to the keyswitch, the power pack will not be grounded since the key will still be in the on position. Will this cause a problem or drain the battery?

http://www.maxrules.com/graphics/omc/wiring/REMCONTBOX.jpg

Thanks

 

[tblshur]

kippstakes , how are you going to turn motor off ,should be able to find new key switch for cheap on ebay.good luck:joyous:

 

[kippstakes]

That's true, I didn't think about that. The ground acts as a kill for the power pack.
The problem is that someone tried drilling the bolts that hold the two halves of the control box and didn't quite get them all. In other words it's stuck together for the long haul, unless I get pretty invasive. I would rather just do a bit of wiring.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Boy, that's a really old motor!

 

[kippstakes]

You're telling me. Long as I have good spark, compression, and fuel mix, I'll be happy with any vintage.
Haven't started her up yet tho, so we shall see.

 

[Coachjfk]

Boy, that's a really old motor!

LOL.. Ole Evinrude didn't even introduce the outboard motor till 1909... This 1874 would predate that by 35 years... and an 85 hp to boot. I'm guessing it's a 1974...

 

[kippstakes]

That's correct.

 

[Fleetwin]

Get the box apart and put in a new switch.

Leaving the ignition HOT all the time is not a good idea.

Or, buy a switch and mount it in the dash and reqire to that.

 

[NicoPags]

You could do it with switches. essentialy the key switch is 4 switches built to one. Wire a 12v switch to M and M to power/kill the motor. A second switch to B and A which you turn on while before pressing the push button you would install for B to S (to actuate solenoid). Finally, another push button for choke. Be one cool dash panel setup lol. Heres the problem, Ive listed about 30-40$ in proper hardware. You would need to wire a terminal as well to the batt lead just before it connects to B post, as all three switches would need a batt connection other than the magento. Fleetwin's idea is best from the cost approach. $20ish bucks for a switch, mount on the dash, and then re-wire all to that.